Tools

Year: ALL

Chain pre-action: How to look after your motorbike's chain

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

While various systems have been trialled over the years and adopted with some success (think BMW’s shaft-drive and other using belt drive), the chain is by far the most common way of transferring the...

Tried and tested: Worx Hydroshot brushless review

14 September 2023 by Adam Binnie

While it’s not a great idea to blast your wheel bearings or electronics with a pressure washer, you can safely clean your motorbike with Worx Hydroshot Brushless if you are careful. Thing is, going...

Tried and tested: ACF-50 corrosion preventer review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

It’s a sad fact of life that, unless you only ride on dry days and in the warmer months, you will need some form of corrosion prevention on your bike. It might just be a light dusting if you prefer...

Tried and tested: Muc-Off Pressure Washer review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Generally speaking, if you want to clean a motorbike, then you will probably find a pressure washer useful. However – and it’s a big however – sometimes, you need to be careful, particularly around...

Care for your bike and the planet: Best eco-friendly motorcycle cleaners

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

We all want to keep our bikes clean. Not only is it the best way to pride and joy looking its best but it’s an important part of its maintenance schedule and a vital way to ensure it’s performing to...

Shiny, happy people: Best motorcycle chrome cleaners

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Chrome cleaner will let you take care of the ultra-reflective plated surfaces on your motorbike, especially common on customs, cruisers and some retro models. Cleaning a motorbike properly involves...

Shift the toughest crud: Best motorcycle degreasers

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

No matter how scrupulously clean you keep your bike, there will come a time when you need to clean something that is particularly filthy or has a build-up of old oil or grease, meaning you need a good...

Let there be light: Best motorcycle headlight bulb upgrades

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Like many components on your motorcycle, the headlight bulbs are designed to do an acceptable job while mass production techniques make sure they are as cheap as possible. However, also like many of...

Tried and tested: CTEK CT5 Battery Charger review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

It used to be really easy to look after motorbike or car batteries. You just connected a battery charger that you paid a few quid for from a high-street shop and Bob is your proverbial mum’s brother.

MCN's guide to the best motorcycle maintenance sprays

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Any self-respecting motorcyclist will have a cupboard full of lotions and potions to look after their bike. Anything from cleaning it to preventing it from corroding; keeping rain off your visor to...

Tried and tested: Metrovac Blaster Sidekick review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

When I first tested this Metrovac Blaster Sidekick motorcycle dryer, it was selling at £150. For that kind of money, I came to the conclusion that I would stick with a chamois leather or a microfibre...

Charge ahead with the best battery chargers to get you and your ride back on the road

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

There’s a strong case for dedicated motorcycle battery chargers. Most batteries will become discharged if the bike is left alone for a period of time (sometimes as little as a couple of weeks), and...

We ride hundreds of thousands of miles per year and these are the best chain lubes we've found for all conditions

14 September 2023 by Ben Clarke

Chain lube is an essential maintenance spray for any motorcycle that uses a drive chain (which is the vast majority). Modern X-ring or O-ring chains have built-in lubricant on the inside of the...

Stand up straight: Best motorcycle paddock stands as chosen by MCN

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

There are lots of reasons why a motorcycle paddock stand is a fundamental accessory, even if you’ve only got a basic tool set-up. First and foremost, bikes like being stored upright. There are...

Lightning in a box: Best motorcycle jump packs

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Somedays, you need a little help to get going, and that can also be true of your bike. For a number of reasons, your battery may be a little low on energy when you want or need it and you don’t have...

Righty tighty: Best motorcycle torque wrenches

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Pretty much every nut and bolt on your motorcycle will have a pre-determined figure for the torque it should be done up to, so all the best motorbike toolkits should include one of the best motorcycle...

Love your links: Best chain cleaners as chosen by MCN

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Unless you own a belt or shaft-driven motorcycle, then chain cleaners and lubrication is part of your life, the same way that cleaning your bike is essential to keeping it not only looking good but...

Socket to me: Best socket sets for motorcycle maintenance

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Most motorcyclists will tackle some form of work on their bike at some point and if you do, one of the first items you need in your tool kit is a socket sets. Depending on whether you enjoy working...

The missing link: Best motorcycle chain tools

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

There are various motorcycle chain tools available to help you work on your own bike chain, ranging from DIY handheld devices to heavier-duty versions aimed more at professionals. We’ve put together a...

Wash 'n' go: Best motorcycle cleaning products

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

For most people, motorcycle cleaning products aren’t the most interesting, but unfortunately, it’s also essential to make sure it stays bright and fresh for as long as possible. Regular cleaning...

Garage essentials for a basic motorcycle toolkit

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Whether you strip and rebuild bikes from spindle to spindle, dabble in home servicing, or simply adjust your bike’s chain, garage essentials like a basic motorcycle toolkit will be your best friend.

Dry cleaners: Best motorcycle waterless washes

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Sometimes, thoroughly cleaning your motorbike with a wash, dry, polish and wax, is not just essential to maintain its finish but can be eminently satisfying. The process of turning a filthy bike,...